Book helps with home business

A NEW booklet is available for operators of home-based businesses and anyone thinking of starting a business from home.
The book, Home-Based Business: Opportunities for Establishment or Expansion in the Shire of Yarra Ranges, is produced by the Shire of Yarra Ranges and covers topics from the advantages of running a home-based business in the shire, to hints on expanding an existing business.
It also includes case studies of successful local home-based businesses, with tips from operators on making the business a success.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan said the 13-page booklet was the result of a survey of 1500 home-based businesses conducted by the shire’s economic development unit last year.
The survey aimed to find out more about this sector, including the issues operators were facing, the services they used and the support they required.
Cr. Heenan described the booklet as a font of knowledge.
“Based on the number of responses we received, the shire is confident the survey results provided an accurate picture of home-based businesses in Yarra Ranges,” Cr Heenan said.
“The information we gained has helped us to develop strategies to help home-based businesses grow, and the booklet is part of these strategies.”
Copies of the booklet are available from any Shire of Yarra Ranges Community Link, or by phoning Business Resource Officer Donna Donovan on 1300 368 333.
It is also accessible on the shire’s website at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au (go to Business and the Economy and then to Business Resources and Help).